Drier



5 Sheets-Sheet l I I Zfwenzort I Charla; C'- Trcunp,

C. C. TRUMP DRIER Filed Dec. 23, 1921 0AM ERS HIMNEY FROM FURNACE Aug. 25, 1925.

C. C. TRUMP DRIER Filed Dec. 23, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ing as much as possible of it- I imder suction rather than under pressure with respect to Patented Aug. 25, 1925.

PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES c. TRUMP, or SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

DRIER.

Application filed December 23, 1921. Serial-No. 524,401.

T 0 all whom it may concern n Be it known that I, CHARLES C. TRUMP, a citizen of the United States, residing at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga, State of New. York, have invented afnew and use ful Drier, of which the followiihgis a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in driers.

materials such as fine coal, oi? similar sub stance.

The invention is the utilization of theavastegheat derived from the products of combustion, as the;

fluid dryingragent.

A treating agent consistin i'roin the base of a stack or from furnace fines is especially desirable as it is usually awaste product and does not contain enough oX-ygen to support combustion which, with fine dust might result in explosions.

Excess air or that mixed withsuch gases" for cooling them to a proper tenipeature may be limited to amount i sufficient to sup port. violent combustion. V 5

The invention comprises an .improved method of moving the drying, agent or medium so as to maintain the proper-velocity of the same at the desired pointszin its path of travel, reduce the ten'iperature at which evaporation is complete and tie prevent the escape of dust from the appai'iatus by keep atmosphere. I

The invention comprises improved'means for storing the raw or wet material in convenient proximity to the drying agent so that the same shall be in a:' measure influenced thereby betore its actual introduction into the current of said drying agent.

The invention comprises ixnproved means for collecting the dried or finished product.

also in convenientproxii'nity and so that the same shall be to a certain extent under the influence of the heat derived tromthe dr v-,,-

iugagent a a 4 g i a .The invention includes 'rinp'roved air -"tl-n ottling devices and control j vhich are es pccialli' madeniflsible by the suction.

. 'lheinveution oi'npi'i-scsjp p oved means. for adjustable suspension of fliestac-k for The object is to provide an im-. proved method and means for dr 'lng tine especially applicable for of hot gases for feedingthe material into-the current of drying a'gent,jand improved means whereby the level of the material treatedinay be observed, said-observation means covering a substantial range in variation of level.

"The invention 'c-oniprises' the provision, in

combination with other elements, of gate or check valves'ad'apted tomaintain the suction, but to"open promptly upon the 'occurrence' of abnormal" pressures Within the stack."

The invention also comprises various improvements-in.method of. operation and details of construction.

Referring Ito; the drawings which illustrate merely by Way of example, suit-able means for effectingthe invention;

---Fig. l is a vertical section.

Fig.1- is a fragmentary detail in eleva tion on an enlarged scale.

Fig.2 is a-plan view.

Fig. 3 is a. horizontal section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1 o-n'a'n enlarged scale.

'FigA is a. Vertical section on line 4-4 or Fig. 3. i I i i Fig. 5 is a-fraginentary vertical section on an enlarged scale showing adetail of construction. I i

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section'on line 66 Fig. 7 is a horizontal section on line 7 ofFig.8.:

Fig. 8.is a vertical sectionon line 8-8 of Fig. 7; i

Figs. 6,-7yand 8 are on an enlarged scale.

j Similarnumerals refer to similar parts throughout the-several views.

As shown in the drawings the drying apparatus .compltises a vertical stack which, broadly speaking, increases in diameter with its. height and is provided with means for causing an upward spiral circulation through -said stack ot' a'treating ag ent whereby the material to he treated 15 suspended in said agent, and the finished nnite'rial isseparat ed from the'untinislied' n'iateriiil and from the -"treatingagent; "f5 1 ln t'he 'Mann-ale given the when stack '-1'-l"consist's oi theis ecl'ions 10,16,17 mid 18.

l I ."tre'ated. .This opening 31' is preferably con- Section may be of the same cross-section throughout its length and 1s termed the speed-pipe and 1s suspended by a number of boltsor rods, such as 19,4 from brackets I such as secured to the tubularca'sing 21 whichsurrounds, supports and encloses the stack. V p g spaced a-short dis'tanc e' above the top sur-" The lower .end' 2210f section 15'; is

face-of table 23 in order to leave room between said lower end and t'he table top 'for the passage of the knives or scrapers 24:. The said lower end 22 of section 15 is also 7 maintained in proper central position by means of bolts such as25 connected to brack- "ets' such e526; /Thejsection lfi-of'the stack -is' of uniformtaper formation, the lower end-of which rests upon, and.1s secured to -the fiange-ofupper endof section 15. 'Sections :17 -and-z18 are also similarly tapered,- ,tliy smal lilow er end of 17 fitting Within theupper end of .l6 ,.wh i1e the upper end of 17 receives the smaller, end}. of 18. The formation ofthese-sections .16,I17,-and 18-is such as-to constitute a. single stackef uniform increase 'injcross-sec-t on. dimension throughout-fits lengthLLflhese several sections are properly supported where necessary by he liods plfbOlllSf Such fas 27,- connected' by brackets,- s'uch asl28,%.to'thestack section a'ndbrackets such as 29 to the casing 21. The'tubular 4 casing21 is p'rovided with a cover 30 at the -top thereofl having'an opening 31 for carry:

ihg ofi'iltheYdrying agent after the same has been partly separated -,from the material nected by means ofithe pipe .31? to a dust collector (not sh'own) and thence anexhaust fan or-.blower,31?.".' A. baflie 32 is provided over the open .mouth 33 'of stack 14;. This .baffle is' made adjustable by -mounting the same on the threaded rods 34 which project A through the top cover 30. Sprocket wheels or pulleys 35 are threaded on these rods 34, and are adapted to bearupon suitable abutments suchas 36 connected with cover 30.

These wheels 35 are operatively connected ..by a sprocket chain 37 so that they will all turntogether. One of these rotating elements 35'is'also connected to a sprocket or pulley 38, belted or otherwise operatively connected .tofa sprocket or pulley 39 on shaft 4:0, havingfat its lowerend the crank 41 provided with'the handle 42, so that by turning the shaft in one direct-ion or theother the'rbafiie 32 may be lowered or raised as required.

The tubular'lcasing 21 is divided intosep'arate chambers inthe following manner.

' :The'upperchamber-or dry bin 43 isadapt- 7 ed to receive the finished material, and is 1' jprovided'lkwith she -sheet metal-bottom 44.

i This bottom:'.44 .is' provided with a central openingfort hestack 14 and a yielding heat resisting packing 45 as shown in Figs. ,1

and This pa cking permits a relative movement between the stack'andI-thebo'ttom wall 44, du'eto expansion andf 'contraction upon varla tions in temperature. litconical roof formation 46 is also, provided around the stack above the. joint to prevent fmaterial from lodging. At the-outer lower periphery of the bottom stat is provided an outlet port at? havingfan outwardly:- movable flap valve 48 adapted to be he'ldscl'osedgby gravity andsuctio-n'within the chamber-or bin 4:34 This "valve 481is preferablycased within the "discliarge'-.nozzle' 4E9 whiehrhasxa slidable stop gate dtl andis -connected==.with the portet'i. ,"Beneaththe bottom- 14 -is the Wet bin 50 for-receiving tli'e 'm'ateri'al which "is to be treated.'=- -Material inay' beiintro- 'duced to thishin-inany suitable way as for instance 1 through. the port or door: 51. This chamber or Wet'bin 50 isprovided withthe funnel 'shapedbottom 52,;the%oute argin or periphery ofwhich is connected tothe walls of the 'casing21:whileitheinnerlower margin is connected by alflange i orahrac'ket 26 to the table 23. L This, table -23 has;.a:central opening i registering wltll' thef bore :of pipe 15.: The' periphery ofsthejaflangewof 'iPiP 15 issuch; as to maintain the naturalslope of the materlal within" the 1nargi-n' -"of ithe opening in table 23, so: thatsthe material will tion-of-the knives'24a' The upper surfaceof flange 22, :as well as any othefiflanges or projections whiclr'might afford "a" lace of lodgment for material, are prefera' ly iprcr vided with an inclined roof, or fill'ed with .material, such as 22, .;having 1 a; downwardly inclined 1 wall to prevent 'such' llodgment olf material. The \sknives 24, which,:by1-ttheir spiral form are easily adapted tosweep the top of, table 123, are connected 'bymeans of the collar 53 to the annular formation 542having the-flange 55 operating in the 'bal-lrbe'aring 56 supported by the flange 57st the stationary structure 58. The collar 53-extends through the opening in table :23. To the bot-tom of the annular body 54*is bolted or .onlydischarge a into said opening .'by"'the acotherwise connected, the annular bevel ,{gear 59 meshing-with the pinion 60iwhich-i-iszoperated bya worm gear mechanism '(31- zd riven by the belt 62 from any suitable f-source of power. A pipe from flue or other suitable source of hot gases, delivers tangentially throughopening 63 to cyclone ch'am'brt' i so that an upward spiral-current created through the speed pipe 15 and-the stack 14.

Corresponding (openings '65 and 65' are provided near -the'ends of cyclone ohalnb'er '64 and corresponding bearings 57 and "57 each bearing 57 and 57 is adapted to become a part of :the- -ball bearing support of structure 54.

At the bottom ofchamber :64 is provided an adjustable throttle-plate '67 :itor-adn'iit-ting and varyingtheintroductiongofcool oi fresh airasrequ-ir'ei At proper points I'ineachihin il liave pro- 1 v-ided level indicators-as follows zotherwise secured. to the wall :ot' the casing 121,,inregister with a suitable opening or .slits-(iQ-proizided insaid-Wall; On opposite 3 r I sides ot-thispockettor'ining'casting (58 are 15.

AI pocket forming casting 68 is :bolted or provided slits Or-WindOW's Z'ZO'. .:-;In' :the'se' \VlIldOWS are secured-glass "rods -71 preterably with two' round andjtwo 'flat' sides, the

- rounded sides-beingiinserted 'in the *walls of 1 closed by suitable {plugs-Which: are removable for purposes of cleaning Secured -.-to one as 78 withinwvhichsarewprovidetl electric .the windows =\vith';.-suitable ga's'ket packing such as rubber or asbestos f'lhese castings I 68 are preferably provided vnthopeningsI52 at top and bottom. Theseare normally side of casing- 68 is a suitable housing such lamps '74. These lamps are -pret'e-rably' of different-colors such as green, :white and -red.- The inter-ior zofthefhousing'73 is pref- -erably of :white or-Iit may? have-such "reflecting qualities as to' casta substantial Jilflumination through the windows 7'0. It will be understood that the .inaterial is :fr-ee-to flow "into the pocket of member 68 up'to the.

natural level of :the material-in the bin,- and consequently 1 on'lyithe flight of the glamp'stcan be seen througlrahorizontalpairof windows 'which' are above the levelofgthe material,

so that ,if the order of theicolorssof the lamps is noted, 'it will be immediately tapsparent from the color seen :through a pair in the discharge pipe fromthextop. :Propertions, show the eflic'ienc-y of horizontal J-WindQWS What is the level of the material in the bin to whichtliis :indieator is connected. It will ibeunderstood that such indicators maybe placed on difi'erent sides and at different levels "of the bins as required.

F or the further control ofthe drier operation recording thermometers and pressure guages should bc connected at suitable points, for example, :as pointsvindicated at 75, '76, 7.7 and 78-on Fig. 1. -;That is-stosay, there should be pressure'and temperature :indic-at-ions, as follows:- in the cyoloneyinithe speed pipe, in the separating rehamber :and

:table .23, forms a seal L between said and "the "interior of v said p pe '15. A current :of

wrent preferably is induced by :aX-suet'ion As this p pe as 'ithroughout Kits glen-gth and ithan' that off I 'ilowsx-that ithe --h f loeity of :1 iegagent ll" beiinthisgpipet 13 15110 dry Tin diameter during :the .balaneebt zto prevent. t-h

duced iinto the wetrbin .50 :through tithe 1 openan g or port 5 1 an d,' by -.:-n"reans of the ui-atu m1 slope between the outer periphery {Of *fiange at the fibOttO'lll of pipe 1'5 -andt-t hefi topot heated ;-gases is -=inti-'o'cluccd tangentially through opening =63 into the :cyc lone chamher 64 see :as to -cause a spiral eurren;tfiow upwardly -'through the stack 14.1"Thisaeurblower-.orfan connecting .with ihe'upper-end ofsaid itu-bular casing 21,- t-he'emain.gchimney r'dra ft cooperating-therewith. Thelrniw es or --scrapers 24 are-rotated to cause s thefeed of ymaterial from the bin. through the epenmg fb'etween pipe sandeta'ble into the zi pwardly =-directed spiral -:Curre nt=of treating regent.

ilhespeed of rotation of the-'ikniwyes ;is-adf'j-usted' with ire'spectto Jthe veleeity of the current of agent-moving upwardly :into

.- .=stael 14,] so that only .suehtmaterial is de- "fleeted into the path of iltriayel tof the treatiing agent :as wi'ill 'ibe' suspendedtherebymnd fithrough ithesspeed gpipe 15. {of -:aguniifionnwtliameter diameter less ielhalance-of e1 a'cl' hest zzicCelerzitioh :ca rrled upwart r d We the. time t he" fimaterial .has" travelled -athe I'length ef the pipe tfwillkhayeflibegun and" will jthusjzhave lost {some of its Weight, .As the ;;-pipe ,;gi.-a dnally Einereases extension, it'z iollowszthatxi treating. agentf correspondingly {deer This :decrease'of eurrent'veloeity11s propor- :tionedto r-thecleerease :weight e aria-1 teriah-as it drys durings ts aipwarditrave], 10?;

-30 that iby-the time *thetmaterial' has reached the top of "the. stack, l-it is practicallyetry.

By the'ba'ifie 32'fit :lis deflectedaoutwar towards lthe periphery of Ibex-tubular :cas

age-s'dhe baflle "32 is dispersed downward time the Lgreater iarea surrounded byxthesgtubular casing, and, to a very large degree -fleses its fly througl-rthe discharge pipefilf.

The .inaterial from the idryzbin .nmyebe drawn off from time to time -or'contnt-uo-usl y thro ugh the discharge mozzlev 45), con troll ed :by the j'fla p '1721'lV6-4'8 and the-:Slidegute if),

' l his valve 48 is preferably i raiv itg-"icoi-itrolled,- ;and is 2 adapted to automatically telose "chamber 43, in :casetthc chambershould at any time :bQ."WlfllOllt-i1111lf'8111l"'lihel'elnj Urdinaril-y vthe-innitemal 5111 this bin will ikecp 2-. ;.2l, and :thecurrent-20f treating event as who leaves the tops-of 'Stafik lzlt and :e

velocity-2S0 thatw-a substantial .gp'a-rt-1-of the :1115 :niateria l 118E110 ilongerssuspended therein Ebut falls by gravity-ate the fbottom wet "the zdi 'y ibin -et2. 'iThe treating :a-Lgent .;thus:-separated from the dried material, .is-carr'ied upwardbreaking rot the ma min t the same sealed. This valve 4-8 is also adapted to open automatically upon the occurrence of abnormal pressure in the bin. Similar relief valves are placed at required 5 points in the apparatus, as for example at 51 and 51. These valve controlled ports may atthe same time serve other purposes.

By using a suitable blower or exhaust fan connected at or beyond thetop of the casing 21, or the separator, the required velocity of the agent throughout the extension of the stack 14 may be at all times maintained. By this means also it is possible to utilize the products of combustion from a furnace 15 or the like without impairing the draft which is ordinarily secured by the stack. In case it should be desirable, it would also be possible to connect a fan or booster between the flue and the cyclone chamber.

0 By means of the indicators above described it is possible, by ol'iserving the l ght passing through a pair of opposite \vindmvs 70, 'and,n oting the colorof the light show} ing theretln'ougli, instantly ,to know the approximate level of the material in eitlicrbin.

'By means of the ;ten'ipcrat ure"and pressuregauges above referred to, it 1s'alsopossible to make, such correlations between temperature, speed of current flow, and feed of 3Qnia-teria1, to secure the most efficient opera f-tion of the device. I i a Thetemperature of the gases may be kept \vitliin proper limits, as for example below the point at which coal loses'volatile. matter,

by admitting more or less coolair through the throttled opening with bottom of chamber 6- This may even be automatically controlled by the temperature controlling means.

lVhat I claim is 1. The method ofdrying material, which consists in utilizing suction caused by the draft of a furnace stack supplemented by a blower to produce. an upwardly moving current of treating agent through a path of tcrial to be fed. into said path of travel,

causing a separation of dried material from said agent, and causing 'a collection and storage of said dried material in a region subject to heatderived from the treating agent.

3. The method-of drying fine material, which consistsfin utilizing the actionof a treating agent, comprising products of combustion, the normal currentmovement of which is caused by the draft in the chimney, and supplementing as required, the normal force derived from the draft of the chimney, to maintain the necessary draft in connection with the combustion.

4. The method 'of drying'fine material, whichconsists in utilizing the action of a treating agent, comprising products of combustion passing fromafurnace to a chimney, the normal current movement of which ,is caused by the draft in the chimney, and

supplementing as required, the normal force derived from the draft of the chimney, to

maintain the necessary draftin connection with the combustion. r

5. In. a drying apparatus, means for utilizing the suction force of the draft of .a furnace stack to cause an upwardly moving current. oftreating agent,.and means for feeding the material to be. treated into saidcurrent, and a regulatable cold air intake below the point of introduction of the treating-agent as-ineans for controlling the temperature of the agentas required.

6. In a drying apparatus, means for utilizing the suction force of the draft of a furnace stack to cause an upwardly moving current of treatingagent, means for supplementing said suction force as required, and means for feeding material to be treated into said'cu'rrent'.

g 7. Inga" drying apparatus, means for utilizing a suction force to cause an .upwardlyjmoving current of treating agent, means for storing the raw material in a region subject to heat derived from the treating agent, and; means for feeding the material to be, treated into said current, relatively to its velocity. flow. I

8. In a drying apparatus, means for utilizing a suction force to cause an upwardly mo 'ing current of treating agent, and means for feeding the material to be treated into said current, means for separating dried material from said agent and means for collecting said dried material in aregion subject to the heat derived from the treating agent.

9. In a drying apparatus, means for utilizing a suction force to' cause an upwardly moving spiral current of treating agent, means for feeding the material to be treated into said current, relatively to its velocity flow, and means for reversing the direction of the spiral flow.

-10. In a drying apparatus, mean f-o1; utiliz ng a suction force to cause an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for controlling and regulating a supply of air to said agent at a point below the introduction of the agent, and means for feeding the material to be treated into said current, relatively to its velocity flow.

11. In a drying apparatus, means for utilizing a suction force to cause an upwardly moving current of treating agent,

means for causing the current to take a spiral course comprising a cyclone chamber having a tangential intake, and adapted to be reversed end for end, and means for feeding thc inaterial to be treated into said current, relatively to its velocity flow.

12. In a drying apparatus, means for utilizing a suction force to cause an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for causing the current to take a spiral path comprising a cyclone chamber having a tangential intake, adapted to be reversed end for end and provided with a throttled air intake, and means for feeding the material to be treated into said current, relatively to its velocity flow.

1'3. In a diying apparatus, the combinatilfIIl-"(II an u iwardly extending stack of increasing cross-section, a chamber beneath the lower end thereof, means forming a passage between the chamber and stack, means for connecting the chamberwit-h a heated treating agent, means for utilizing the suction of the furnace chimney for cooperating in causing an upward current through said stack, and means for feeding material to be treated into said passage,

14:. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack of increasing cross-sectiou, a chamber beneath the lower end thereof, means forming a passage between the chamber and stack, means for connecting the chamber with a heated treating agent, means for utilizing the suction of the furnace chin'iney in combination with a blower for causing an upward current through said stack, and means for feeding material to be treated, into said passage.

15. In a. drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack of increasing cross-section, a cyclone chamber delivering to the lower end thereof, means for connecting the chamber with a waste gas supply, means for utilizing the suction of the furnace chimney for causing an. upward current through said stack, and means for feeding material to be treated, into said current.

16. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent through-the staclt, a casing enclosing thestack and comprising therein a material bin surrounding the stack.

17 In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly"extending-stack, means for causing an upward-current of treating agent through the stack, a casing enclosing the stack and comprising therein a supply bin for raw material adapted to be fed to the stack.

18. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent through the stack, a casing enclosing and supporting the stack and comprising therein a supply bin for raw material adapted to be fed to the stack.

10. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwar ly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent through the stack, a casing enclosing the stack and comprising therein a supply bin for raw material and regulatable means for feeding said material from the bin into the said current.

520. In adrying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, Hie K DS for causing an upward current of treating agent through the stack, a casing enclosing the stack and comprising therein a bin for receiving the dried materials'eparated from the agent. i

21. In a drying apparatus, thecombination of an upwardly extending stack, a conductor for a treating agent delivering near to said chamberfmeansforming a chamber beneath the lower end of said stack but in communication therewith, suction means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, and-means for feeding material to be treated into said current/1" l V 22. In a drying apparatus, the combina tion of an upwardly extending stack, a conductor for a treating agent delivering thereto, means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, and a casing enclosing said stack, providing two bins surrounding said stack, one for raw material to be fed to the current and one for dry material separated from-theagent.

23. In a drying apparatus, the combina tion of an upwardly extendingstack, means for causing an upward current'of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, a casing enclosing said stack, providing a material bin surrounding said stack, and means for indicating the level of material therein.

24. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, a casing enclosing said stack, providing a material bin surrounding said stack, and means for indicating the level of material therein, comprising a pocket forming body communicating withthe bin'a-nd having oppositely disposed windiiwsin a substantially horizontal plane, in combination with a" source of light.

25. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, a casing enclosing said stack, providing awmate rial bin surrounding said stack, and means horizontal planes, in

. a: for indicating the level of material therein, comprising a pocket-- forming body communicating with the bin and having pairs of oppositely disposed-windows in different horizontal planes, in; combination with a source of light. F

:26. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, a casingenclosing said stack, providing a material bin surrounding said stack, and means for indicating the level of material therein, comprising a pocket forming body communicating with the bin and having pairs of oppositely disposed windows,.in different combination with sources of light difi'ering in color.

27. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feedingmaterial to be treated into said current, a casing enclosing said stack, providing a material bin surrounding said stack, and means for indicating the level of material therein, comprising a pocket forming body com municating with the bin and having 0-ppositely disposed windows, in a substantially horizontal plane, in combination with a source of light and suitable reflecting surface, within the range of vision through said oppositely disposed windows. I

28. In a drying apparatus, the tombinm tion of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, a casing enclosing said stack, providing a mate rial bin surrounding said stack, and pr vided with ports and pressure relief closures therefor.

29. In a drying apparatus, the ccmbinas tion of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of treating agent in said stack, means for feeding mate rial to be treated into said current, and means for indicating pressure and temperature of the agent before material is fed thereto, after material is fed thereto, in the region of separation of material from agent, and after said separation.

30. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means for causing an upward current of heating agent in said stack, means for feeding mate rial to be treated into said current, a cas- -ing enclosing said stack, providing two material bins surrounding said stack, and means for maintaining an airtight movable joint between the stack and the wall separating, the two bins. A 31. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, means ductor "for treating agent delivering near.

the lower part of the stack, suction means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, and an adjustable baflie for facilitating the separation of dried materialfrom the agent.

33. Ina drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, a conductor for a treating agent delivering near the lower part of thestack, suction means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, and means for feeding. mate.- rial to be treated into said current, comprising a table spaced below lower end of stack,

having a central opening in substantial regis-.

ter with'bore of stack, the margin of the central opening and outer margin of the said lower end of stack, being proportioned relatively to maintain the natural slope of material with the margin of the central openin 34.111 a drying apparatus, the combination of anupwardly extending stack, a conductor for a treating agent delivering near the lower part of the stack, suction means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, comprising a table spaced below the lower end of the stack, having a central opening in substantial register with the bore of the stack, the margin of.the central opening and outer margin of the said lower end 'of stack, being proportioned relatively to maintain the natural slope of material with the margin of the central opening, and deflecting knives for sweekping the table beneath the lower end of stac 35. In a drying apparatus, the combination of an upwardly extending stack, a conductor for a treating agent delivering near the lower part of the stack, suction means for causing an upward current of said agent in said stack, means for feeding material to be treated into said current, comprising a table spaced below the lower end of the stack, having a central opening in substantial register with the bore of the stack, the margin of the central opening and outer margin of the said lower end of the stack, being proportionedrelatively to maintain the natural slope of material with the margin of the central opening, and spiral knives for deflecting the material from the table through the central opening.

36. In a drying apparatus, the com bination of means for utilizing the normal suction force of a chimney draft in causing an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for feeding material to be dried into said current, and means for augmenting said normal s'uction force as required.

37. In a drying apparatus, the combination of means for utilizing the normal suction force of a chimney draft in causing an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for feeding material to be dried into said current, and means for augmenting said normal suction force to secure the necessary current velocity.

38. In a drying apparatus, the combination of means for utilizing the normal suction force of a chimney draft in causing an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for feeding material to be dried into said current, and means for augmenting said normal suction force to maintain the necessary draft in the combustion Cl121]11bel-."""

259. In a drying apparatus, the combination of means for utilizing the normal suction force of a chimney draft in causing an upwardly moving current of treating agent, means for feeding material to be dried into said current, and means for augmenting said normal suction force to offset impairment of furnace draft due to the treating process.

40. The method of drying material, which consists in using a treating agent capable of absorbing vapor liberated by its heat, mechanically but not chemically, while said material is suspended in said agent while moving under suction in an upward path of increasing cross-section.

CHARLES C. TRUMP. 

